RAMADAN TIPS 2009

(1) Benefits of Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem to you all! We're starting this Ramadan with our daily tips again and we will be keeping them short & sweet - however todays one is a little longer to get you into the spirit of Ramadan!

We've got a few different themes this year, including social as well as religious aspects of Ramadan - hope you enjoy them! If you would like to contribute towards the daily tips please mail us!

Todays themes include:
* Definition of Ramadan
* The Benefits of Ramadan
* A summary of the 1st Juz (section) of the Quran

Definition of Ramadan: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims spend the daylight hours in a complete fast
Pronunciation: rom-a-don

Did you know...

• Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.
• Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
• Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."
• Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
• Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
• Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our "normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.

QURAN - FYI, to get you started!

Juz’ 1 – Al Fatiha 1 – Al Baqarah 141 / The Opening – The Cow

The first juz’ (section) of the Qur’an starts from the first verse of the first chapter (Al-Fatiha 1) and continues part-way through the second chapter (Al Baqarah 141).

When were the verses of this juz’ revealed?

The first chapter, consisting of eight verses, is a summary of faith that was revealed in Mecca before the migration to Madinah. Most of the verses of the second chapter were revealed in the early years after the migration to Madinah, as the Muslim community was setting up its first social and political center.
Select Quotations:

• “Seek God’s help with patient perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard, except to those who are humble -- who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.” 2:45-46

• ”Say: ‘We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all prophets from their Lord. We make no difference between one and another of them, and we submit to God.’” 2:136

What is the main theme of this juz’?

The first chapter is called “The Opening” (Al Fatihah). It consists of eight verses and is often referred to as the “Lord’s Prayer” of Islam. The chapter in its entirety is repeatedly recited during a Muslim’s daily prayers, as it sums up the relationship between humans and God in worship. We begin by praising God, and seeking His guidance in all matters of our lives.

The Qur’an then continues with the longest chapter of the revelation, “The Cow” (Al Baqarah). The title of the chapter refers to a story told in this section (beginning at verse 67) about the followers of Moses. The early part of this section lays out the situation of humankind in relation to God. God sends guidance and messengers, and people choose how they will respond: they will either believe, they will reject faith altogether, or they will become hypocrites (feigning belief on the outside while harbouring doubts or evil intentions on the inside).

The story of the creation of humans is told (one of many places where it is referred to) to remind us about the many bounties and blessings of God. Then stories are begun about previous peoples and how they responded to God’s guidance and messengers. Particular reference is made to the Prophets Abraham, Moses and Jesus, and the struggles they undertook to bring guidance to their people.